Caption: Candida fungus reproducing. Computer artwork showing the fungus Candida albicans reproducing after infecting the mucous membrane (the mucus-producing lining) of the vagina. C. albicans is a type of yeast commonly found on the skin and the mucous membranes of the mouth, digestive and respiratory tracts and the genitals. It is normally harmless, but a suppressed immune system can lead to infection. An infection of the vagina, as seen here, is known as thrush.